NZ South Island Travel
NZ South Island Overview
The South Island is the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand, the other being the more populous North Island. It is bordered to the north by Cook Strait, to the west by the Tasman Sea, to the south and east by the Pacific Ocean. The island is influenced by a temperate climate. The warmest months of the island are January and February, making them the best time to visit the island.
NZ South Island Main Attractions
Having a large territory, South Island has a vast land and water to boast. This island amazingly has six forest parks and ten national parks. Three of the forest parks are situated in the Canterbury region, where you can find splendid skiing areas like the Broken River Ski area and the Craigieburn Valley Ski Area.
The ten national parks of South Island are established under the National Parks Act 1980 and are administered by the Department of Conservation. Fiordland National Park, Abel Tasman National Park, Westland National Park and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park are the famous national parks of South Island. They are regarded as the main tourism destinations in the South Island and amongst the Top 10 destinations in New Zealand. You can expect coastlines of golden sand, scenic grandeur of every national park, glaciers and its origin, rugged mountains, waterfalls, ancient landforms, and unique flora and fauna.
NZ South Island Activities
The best activity you do in South Island is exploring the whole of it and having pleasure looking outside of the box. Venture out to the national parks and forest parks and encounter some challenging landscape. If you come at a right time when the slopes of the mountains are covered with snow, climb the mountains and ski down the slopes and have an adrenaline pumping adventure. As you get tired of this recreation, go to the beach and laze by this pristine wonder and have the vacation of your life.
NZ South Island Accommodation & Dining
South Island's backpacker and hostel accommodation is ideal for the independent DIY traveler. They offer the basics of sleeping, cooking, washing and personal hygiene at an affordable price. Usually owner operated, they provide a friendly and helpful atmosphere and service. Surrounded by rich waters, you can expect a delightful way to dine in the island with mouth-watering seafood: mussels, scallops and crayfishes. You can also spoil yourself with the tender lamb served in different restaurants in South Island.
NZ South Island Shopping & Nightlife
Nightlife is exciting. It is completed by a variety of bars, pubs and casinos. However at moonless nights, drinking and having party isn't the hit. Moonless nights are best - it's so dark when you first get there but it's amazing how quickly your night vision kicks in and how much you can see by starlight. Quite a large number of visitors to any country consider shopping, particularly for unique gifts and souvenirs, part of the joys of travel.
Getting To & Around NZ South Island
Reaching the island is a different story. Christchurch is the South Island's biggest international airport with flights from all around the Pacific Rim. Dunedin and Queenstown both have flights from Australia. There are many airports which have scheduled flights into the South Island, including Picton, Blenheim, Nelson, Takaka, Westport, Kaikoura, Greymouth, Christchurch, Timaru, Dunedin and Queenstown.
